PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Avatron® Software, a leading developer of productivity applications for the Apple iOS platform, today launched the latest version of its pioneering file-sharing app Air Sharing 2.7, now featuring Google Docs support that enables users to access and view files stored on the free online document management platform with their iPhone or iPad.

Unlike typical mobile browser-based access to the Google Docs platform, Air Sharing provides a much more user-friendly experience optimized for the iPhone and iPad screen space and interface. With Air Sharing, users can more easily view, share, copy and even print files on the Google Docs system, including word processing, spreadsheets and presentation files, all from an iPhone or iPad. Users can even view Google Docs files on other apps (view a spreadsheet on a dedicated spreadsheet app, for example), and copy files to other file servers, such as iDisk, WebDAV, DropBox, Box or FTP servers.

"Google Docs is extremely popular and especially well-suited for small businesses, nonprofits and educators—groups that need powerful collaboration tools that also fit their very tight budgets," said Avatron CEO Dave Howell. "And, in today's world, mobile access is a must. Navigating Google Docs on a mobile device can be quite cumbersome, but the new Air Sharing app solves that problem by making it simple and comfortable to access and view Google Docs files from anywhere."

Ideal for SMB and nonprofit use, Air Sharing with Google Docs makes for a powerful educational tool as well. Educators are increasingly turning to Google Docs to share classroom materials with students to enhance technology skills and enable students and parents to collaborate and communicate with peers and teachers. At the same time, iPad usage in the classroom is also growing, as teachers look to incorporate the latest technology to enhance the learning experience.

"Today, textbooks are often outdated before they even reach students' hands and, as a result, there is a major push to provide students with access to up-to-date materials via the web through portable devices," said Nancy Parker, Gamma Resource Teacher and Co-team Leader at Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights, Ill. Parker frequently uses Google Docs to share files and resources with fellow faculty members and students.

"Typical middle schoolers either have their own personal iPhone or iPad or have access to one through the school," Parker said. "Now, we must show students how to use these devices not just for fun, but for educational purposes as well. The Air Sharing app enables easy access to the kind of dynamic materials required to support a 21st century educational experience."

In addition to enabling a better Google Docs experience for mobile users, the new Air Sharing app is also more affordable for schools and student users. Apple offers educational pricing through the App Store that allows institutions to buy apps in bulk at 50 percent off the standard list price. In addition, a new back-to-school Apple promotion offers college students, faculty and staff members at any grade level a $100 App Store credit with each new Mac computer purchased.

For business use, Avatron will even create a customized Air Sharing app that automatically points to the company's Google Docs server or other file servers.

The latest version of Air Sharing is available in the App Store and is part of Avatron's highly acclaimed family of productivity apps for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. For more information, visit www.avatron.com.

About Avatron Software

Avatron® Software is a leading developer of productivity-enhancing applications that blur the boundaries between personal computers, mobile devices, and the cloud. Avatron's Air Sharing document-management app was downloaded by more than 1 million users in its first two weeks and raised the bar for iOS application design and quality. The company's Air Display app turns an iPad into a wireless computer monitor with a touchscreen. Avatron was founded in April 2008 by former Apple engineering manager Dave Howell and a team of veteran Mac OS X programmers. The company is based in Portland, Oregon.